Professor F. Nii-Yartey (was the visionary Founder of the Noyam African Dance Institute (NADI), establishing the organization in 1998. He is recognized as a pioneering force in the development of Dance-Theatre and ‘Contemporary’ African Dance in Ghana, dedicated to systematizing the art form and professionalizing the careers of African dancers. His philosophy was embodied by the Institute’s name, “Noyam,” which translates from the Ga-Dangme language as “development” or “moving on.” This concept of progression underpinned his commitment to empowering young dancers and affirming dance as a dynamic art form capable of significantly contributing to the socio-economic and cultural evolution of Africa and the world.

Prof. Nii-Yartey’s immense influence was cemented by his tenure in Ghana’s foremost cultural institutions. He served for many years as the Artistic Director of the Ghana Dance Ensemble and simultaneously held the position of Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. Later, he was the Artistic Director of the National Dance Company of Ghana at the National Theatre. His creative legacy is marked by over thirty acclaimed choreographic works, including the seminal Musu-Saga of the Slaves, Asipim, Solma, and Sochenda. A testament to his national prominence, he was personally responsible for creating the Opening Choreography for the CAN 2000 (22nd African Cup of Nations Football Tournament) held in Accra.

His expertise transcended national boundaries, making him a highly respected figure in global dance education. Prof. Nii-Yartey was a sought-after visiting lecturer and resource specialist at dance institutions internationally, notably serving as a Visiting Cornell Professor at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, USA. He effectively fused practice with scholarship, contributing significantly to the academic discourse on dance. His publications, such as Alvin Ailey: A Revolutionary in Dance and Creation and Presentation of Traditional African Dances, established him as a key theoretician whose work informed the rigorous, systematic, and professionally-focused curriculum at the Noyam African Dance Institute.

The enduring impact of Prof. Nii-Yartey was recognized through numerous prestigious honors. His awards include the Cultural Ambassador title, multiple Best Dance Choreography and Production Awards, and the distinguished Grand Medal (Civil Division) from the Republic of Ghana for his contributions to the development of choreography and dance. Furthermore, his career was honored with a listing in the 28th Edition of the Dictionary of International Biography. Though he passed away in 2015, his legacy thrives, and is very much visible in Ghana’s developing dance landscape.